Dolly’s Chicken & Stuffing Casserole: A Cozy, Classic Family Favorite

If you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned, heartwarming meal, Dolly’s Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is exactly what you need. This classic Southern-inspired dish brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, savory stuffing, and wholesome vegetables—all baked into one comforting casserole. It’s the kind of dinner that reminds you of home, Sunday gatherings, and cozy evenings spent around the table.

I’ve made this casserole for family dinners and potlucks, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Once, I used leftover rotisserie chicken and swapped cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery—it still turned out delicious. The stuffing gets perfectly golden on top, while the creamy chicken layer underneath stays rich and flavorful. Serve it with a side of green beans or cranberry sauce, and you’ve got a hearty, soul-warming meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Dolly’s Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is simple, satisfying, and full of comforting flavors. It’s a complete meal in one dish, combining juicy chicken, creamy filling, and a buttery, herbed stuffing topping. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare with pantry staples and a few simple steps. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a get-together, this casserole is sure to bring warmth and nostalgia to the table.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken – Shredded or cubed, this provides the hearty protein base of the casserole.

Stuffing mix – A classic boxed stuffing mix gives this dish its signature flavor and texture. Choose your favorite brand or flavor (chicken or herb-seasoned).

Cream of chicken soup – Adds a creamy, savory base that ties all the flavors together.

Sour cream – Blends with the soup for a tangy, rich filling that keeps the casserole moist.

Chicken broth – Moistens the stuffing and deepens the flavor of the dish.

Butter – Melted butter adds richness and helps create that golden, crispy topping.

Frozen mixed vegetables (optional) – Adds color, nutrition, and texture—peas, carrots, and corn work beautifully.

Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.

Fresh parsley (optional) – For a touch of color and freshness when serving.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the chicken layer: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salt, and pepper. If using vegetables, stir them in at this stage. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the stuffing: In a separate bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with melted butter and chicken broth. Stir until the stuffing is moistened but not soggy.
4. Assemble the casserole: Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken layer, spreading it gently to cover the top.
5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
6. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people and takes about 45 minutes total—10 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner or a comforting weekend meal.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through, or microwave individual portions. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Customizations

Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the chicken mixture for a creamy, cheesy surprise.

Thanksgiving-Inspired Version
Mix in a little cranberry sauce or dried cranberries for a festive, sweet-savory touch.

Vegetable-Packed Casserole
Add sautéed mushrooms, green beans, or broccoli for extra nutrients and flavor.

Creamy Mushroom Twist
Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a deeper, earthy flavor.

Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut
Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a time-saving, flavor-packed option.

Low-Sodium Option
Opt for low-sodium broth and soup to reduce the salt without sacrificing flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, it’s a great way to use up leftover turkey after the holidays.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely—assemble it up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

3. Can I use homemade stuffing instead of boxed?

Yes, homemade stuffing works beautifully. Just make sure it’s slightly moistened before baking.

4. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes, mix some shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese into the chicken layer for extra creaminess.

5. Can I make it without soup?

You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade roux using butter, flour, and chicken broth.

6. How do I keep the stuffing crispy?

Bake uncovered and avoid over-moistening the stuffing mixture.

7. Can I use cream of celery soup instead?

Yes, it adds a lighter flavor and pairs well with the chicken and vegetables.

8. What sides go well with this casserole?

Steamed green beans, cranberry sauce, or a simple salad pair perfectly.

9. How do I freeze this casserole?

Assemble but don’t bake it—wrap tightly in foil and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the baking time.

10. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works as a lighter alternative with a similar tang.

Conclusion

Dolly’s Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is the definition of comfort food—creamy, savory, and filled with homestyle goodness. With its simple preparation and nostalgic flavors, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy Sunday night, this casserole delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. It’s sure to become one of those recipes you’ll make again and again whenever you crave a taste of home.

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